Signs of Life in the World Cup's Elite Eight Countries

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Even though we’re still a little bummed about the U.S. Men’s National Team’s painful loss to Ghana in the round of 16, we’re excited about the next round of matches, which start today. Check out our mini-guide to the remaining eight teams and some Signs of Life in music and culture from each of their respective countries.

GHANA

ReeZon
Even before cutting a full studio album, MC ReeZon was dubbed the “Prince of Ghana” by fans. And it’s a fitting moniker — his confident, almost regal swagger matches the braggadocio of any rapper on the American Top 40 charts. He may make references to Jack Bauer and Bed-Stuy on the stuttering club track “Drinks On Me,” but ReeZon shows his national pride and isn’t afraid to take shots at the notion of Africa as a homogeneous musical entity when he raps, “I got the whole continent on my back.”

Fokn Bois (M3NSA & Wanlov the Kubolor)
Ghanaian hiplife (a melding of hip-hop and traditional Ghanaian Highlife) duo Fokn Bois started a cultural revolution when they starred in Coz Ov Moni, the first ever movie-musical performed entirely in West African pidgen English. The film had a successful run on the festival circuit, including stops in Rio de Janeiro and African film festivals in London, Cannes and Los Angeles. When they’re not taking on ambitious projects like Coz Ov Moni, the Fokn Bois have successful solo projects and collaborations—M3NSA is even featured on “Football Jama,” UK DJ Richy Pitch’s unofficial Ghana World Cup anthem.

M.anifest
Accra-born Minneapolis transplant M.anifest’s conscious lyrics and effortless flow have earned him the adoration of some of the Twin Cities’ finest emcees, including Atmosphere’s Slug and Brother Ali. But M.anifest hasn’t forgotten where he comes from—he’s is giving away his sophomore album, The Birds and the Beats (released in late 2009), for free download, asking fans in return to donate to Young Entrepreneurs of Africa.

Check out “Heaven Only Knows,” his crew A.R.M.’s track with Brother Ali, below: